Weight Loss Surgery in Mexico?
Replies
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ALHMommyofAngels wrote: »I think someone who suggests just eating less does not understand what it's like to be morbidly obese. I had WLS 2 weeks ago. My insurance paid for it and I would never consider doing it outside of the country. Statistics show if your BMI is over 40 98% of people are not able to lose the weight on their own. Though going through this process I have learned that even with surgery I am never going to be safe to eat what I want. After you still have to live on 1200 calorie diet for the rest of your life. I think if your mind is in the right place and you realise that it is a life style change and not a diet you can do it.
My BMI has gone from 41 to 33. I'm a work in progress. There were many emotional barriers along the way that needed to be dealt with. Almost everyone has at least one. Those barriers don't change through surgery which is why there are so many incidents of people regaining even with WLS. Or turning to alcohol when food is no longer an option. Dealing with the problems has allowed the weight loss to become easier.
As for WLS in Mexico, I have only a limited perspective in that I have seen the post op complications when people come back with infections. These can be life threatening. I don't know about the WLS requirements in Ontario, but the wait list in Alberta is about two years. Patients are expected to go through counselling and to follow a strict pre-op diet. And they must be overweight by a certain amount. I think you can get through faster if you have additional comorbidities, but I'm not certain with that. These limitations and expectations are in place for a reason. Mainly to ensure people are aware of how the surgery will effect them for life and ensure that they have the coping skills needed. I understand the fear that may lead people to this choice, but the risks are very serious. In my opinion, working on the underlying issues will carry you much further. Just my rambling thoughts.0 -
Keep in mind that you can have the #1 surgeon who does everything right and works in a top notch hospital and still have major complications. Surgical complications can strike anyone in any situation. You'll be stuck in another country with a major medical issue if something bad happens. I would also be concerned if the surgery is the only plan.
I have researched weight loss surgery. I think it's a legitimate way to lose weight and maintain it if its not the only tool. From what I have read, successful people used it as a tool along with psychological and nutritional counseling. Group support helps too. People who didn't make the commitment to fully embrace the program gained the weight back.0 -
ALHMommyofAngels wrote: »I think someone who suggests just eating less does not understand what it's like to be morbidly obese. I had WLS 2 weeks ago. My insurance paid for it and I would never consider doing it outside of the country. Statistics show if your BMI is over 40 98% of people are not able to lose the weight on their own. Though going through this process I have learned that even with surgery I am never going to be safe to eat what I want. After you still have to live on 1200 calorie diet for the rest of your life. I think if your mind is in the right place and you realise that it is a life style change and not a diet you can do it.
Actually, there are a lot of us here who used to be morbidly obese, who lost weight through good old-fashioned CI/CO. We know exactly how hard it is to be morbidly obese, we know how hard it can be to lose weight, and wouldn't say "eat less" if we hadn't had to do that ourselves.0 -
ALHMommyofAngels wrote: »I think someone who suggests just eating less does not understand what it's like to be morbidly obese. I had WLS 2 weeks ago. My insurance paid for it and I would never consider doing it outside of the country. Statistics show if your BMI is over 40 98% of people are not able to lose the weight on their own. Though going through this process I have learned that even with surgery I am never going to be safe to eat what I want. After you still have to live on 1200 calorie diet for the rest of your life. I think if your mind is in the right place and you realise that it is a life style change and not a diet you can do it.
Not being willing to educate oneself or do what it takes =/= not able to0 -
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ALHMommyofAngels wrote: »I think someone who suggests just eating less does not understand what it's like to be morbidly obese. I had WLS 2 weeks ago. My insurance paid for it and I would never consider doing it outside of the country. Statistics show if your BMI is over 40 98% of people are not able to lose the weight on their own. Though going through this process I have learned that even with surgery I am never going to be safe to eat what I want. After you still have to live on 1200 calorie diet for the rest of your life. I think if your mind is in the right place and you realise that it is a life style change and not a diet you can do it.
My BMI has gone from 41 to 26 in the last year, by eating less and doing regular exercise. I'm sure WLS is the right choice for some people and I would never disparage someone for going that route. But it is definitely possible to achieve without surgery for many people.
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ALHMommyofAngels wrote: »I think someone who suggests just eating less does not understand what it's like to be morbidly obese. I had WLS 2 weeks ago. My insurance paid for it and I would never consider doing it outside of the country. Statistics show if your BMI is over 40 98% of people are not able to lose the weight on their own. Though going through this process I have learned that even with surgery I am never going to be safe to eat what I want. After you still have to live on 1200 calorie diet for the rest of your life. I think if your mind is in the right place and you realise that it is a life style change and not a diet you can do it.
Lots of us us have been there and fixed the problem on our own, sans surgery. Please don't make assumptions.0 -
ClosetBayesian wrote: »ALHMommyofAngels wrote: »I think someone who suggests just eating less does not understand what it's like to be morbidly obese. I had WLS 2 weeks ago. My insurance paid for it and I would never consider doing it outside of the country. Statistics show if your BMI is over 40 98% of people are not able to lose the weight on their own. Though going through this process I have learned that even with surgery I am never going to be safe to eat what I want. After you still have to live on 1200 calorie diet for the rest of your life. I think if your mind is in the right place and you realise that it is a life style change and not a diet you can do it.
Actually, there are a lot of us here who used to be morbidly obese, who lost weight through good old-fashioned CI/CO. We know exactly how hard it is to be morbidly obese, we know how hard it can be to lose weight, and wouldn't say "eat less" if we hadn't had to do that ourselves.
+1
I've been morbidly obese for 20+ years and I'm only 33 years old! I know exactly how it feels. Starting BMI was 46 and is now 24 with good old fashioned CICO. So screw what the "statistics show". You have the power to eat less food, you also have the power to make it a lifestyle change without having to permanently alter your body.
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kshama2001 wrote: »ALHMommyofAngels wrote: »I think someone who suggests just eating less does not understand what it's like to be morbidly obese. I had WLS 2 weeks ago. My insurance paid for it and I would never consider doing it outside of the country. Statistics show if your BMI is over 40 98% of people are not able to lose the weight on their own. Though going through this process I have learned that even with surgery I am never going to be safe to eat what I want. After you still have to live on 1200 calorie diet for the rest of your life. I think if your mind is in the right place and you realise that it is a life style change and not a diet you can do it.
Got a source for this stat? I couldn't find anything. I've had no problem losing weight from a starting BMI of 36, 37, or 39.
Yeah..I agree. It might be harder for people with extremely high BMI to lose weight because they lack motivation. My hubby is a perfect example. It took him to ask for a seat belt extender on the plane and quit a few other health related issues until he decided, screw this. He has left to lose another 100 pounds , and lost 30 so far. He used to not be able to walk very far, always tired, hungry etc..now he is more active than I am. He lifts weights, do the elliptical at a high level for 45 min per day. His health problems are gone. Imagine how he must feel in another 100 pounds. I'm so incredibly proud of him.0 -
Stomach surgery imposes external controls,
when what you need (even to be successful with stomach surgery) is to have internal controls.
People manage to gain weight after stomach surgery, even with drastically altered physiology and
nutritional malabsorption, simply because they do not wish to control their eating.
It's going to be lots harder to manage your diet after stomach surgery.
If you don't have the discipline to do it now, why do you think you will later?
And if you will later, why not do it now, without the expense & risk & lifelong complications?
I know 2 people who have had stomach surgery in about the last month.
I also know the statistics, where it's only successful for less than 10% of people...
yet 100% of them will have to deal with the lifelong problems.
One of those is proper nutrition, and that's some of the support you would get from a team here
in the US (or for you, Canada) if the surgery were done t/here.
Another is psychological... which helps to develop those internal controls.
Talk with a patient advocate at your doctor's office or insurance company.
See if insurance will cover working with a dietitian & psychologist, to get the most helpful services,
even if they won't do the body alterations.
And no, do NOT go to Mexico for surgery.0 -
Then I'm thankful that my BMI when I started to seriously work on losing weight was only 39.5!ALHMommyofAngels wrote:Statistics show if your BMI is over 40 98% of people are not able to lose the weight on their own.
Lost 80 (BMI 28), got complacent (& lost motivation... winter sucks), regained about 25 (BMI 32.1), am going
back down again, aiming for a total of 110 lost (BMI 23.7).
When I first met my weight doc, he offered to start me on the track for stomach surgery. I refused.
I know the failure stats, I know the lifelong complications, and I know that if I have the mindset to succeed
after surgery, I can succeed without.0 -
Really give it a LOT of thought
.
A bargain might not be a bargain if you experience complications.
You CAN do it on your own...check out this group here:
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/3322-100-pounds-with-no-surgery
Best of luck whichever route you choose.
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Have you ever been to a third world country? the Ontario government recommends you carry your own personal surgery kit, so if you do end up in hospital you don't use their equipment. That should tell you something. Mexico is at the least second world.0
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I have lived on the Texas border my whole life. I am a nurse practitioner in the ER and I have seen both the good and the bad of border health. Yes, there are talented and reputable physicians and surgeons in Mexico. BUTTTTTTTT, and that's a big butt! Ive seen the worst cases of gross negligence from there and I've unfortunately cared for those post bariatiric surgery. It's a big risk the standards of practice are extremely different. I've know of dentists who preform surgeries anywhere from bariatiric to cosmetic. Honestly it's a gamble and its not worth it. And like someone said earlier even the best of surgeons can have complications. And I'm not going to post this with out saying I've also seen many complication with this surgery on the US side. Furthermore, we still are not 100% sure what the long term effects are of these types of procedures and we won't know until 30-50 years down the line if it truly makes a difference or if there are ramifications. I say, don't risk it. CICO are your best bet and it's better for you in the long run because you train yourself to make conscious decisions as well as gain control of your life.
OH... And just out of curiosity, I read somewhere on here they needed a second weight loss surgery. Why? I'm not calling you out I'm respectfully asking.... Were there complications / were you unable to change your diet in the end and failed in that sense..... If I can find the article I'll post it.... It's from one of my monthly subscription nursing/medical journals that said there are finding a high failure rate with weight loss surgery because of the individuals inability to change themselves.0 -
ALHMommyofAngels wrote: »I think someone who suggests just eating less does not understand what it's like to be morbidly obese. I had WLS 2 weeks ago. My insurance paid for it and I would never consider doing it outside of the country. Statistics show if your BMI is over 40 98% of people are not able to lose the weight on their own. Though going through this process I have learned that even with surgery I am never going to be safe to eat what I want. After you still have to live on 1200 calorie diet for the rest of your life. I think if your mind is in the right place and you realise that it is a life style change and not a diet you can do it.
To be honest...yes you just have to eat less
and yes you can do it on your own if you have the determination, strength, patience ( in other words the willpower) to do it.
I started on 1200 and worked myself up to maintaining now on 2100
i started with a BMI of 43.5 ( 261 lbs) to maintaining now on 143 lbs - 145 lbs BMI 23
I started with not able to walk to now walking 7 to 8 miles a day and 5 days of 45 minutes jogging
Don't ever say about other people that they dont know what it is. Or can not lose weight on their own. Because millions can and do and did it.
And others can not and want or need a WLS.
How were when i dont really have an opinion about.
But dont say that suggesting eating less is wrong.
Because even with a WLS you have to eat less or you will gain weight. And many fail to do that too. That is will power. And learning to be conscious what you eat. and say no when you have to.
But dont say that morbidly obese can not do or learn that. Because lots of them can as long as they are open to learn and want to do it.
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ALHMommyofAngels wrote: »Statistics show if your BMI is over 40 98% of people are not able to lose the weight on their own.
I went from a BMI of 44.3 to 31.9 in a year. Calorie counting isn't magic, and I'm not special. I only believed I couldn't do it in the past because I kept falling for bloggers, women's magazines, and lousy doctors telling me things like "you can't eat carbs if you want to lose," "calories don't count," and "most people fail and so will you."
Do what you need to do for yourself. You and your doctor(s) had your reasons, I'm sure. However, someone so desperate for a way out that they're willing to risk the unknown for something it doesn't even sound like they need (since they don't qualify for insurance coverage) could probably benefit from a little reality check and reorientation.
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cjudesaenz wrote: »OH... And just out of curiosity, I read somewhere on here they needed a second weight loss surgery. Why? I'm not calling you out I'm respectfully asking.... Were there complications / were you unable to change your diet in the end and failed in that sense..... If I can find the article I'll post it.... It's from one of my monthly subscription nursing/medical journals that said there are finding a high failure rate with weight loss surgery because of the individuals inability to change themselves.
I'm also curious about this. If the first surgery didn't work, what will a second do?0 -
PaulaWallaDingDong wrote: »cjudesaenz wrote: »OH... And just out of curiosity, I read somewhere on here they needed a second weight loss surgery. Why? I'm not calling you out I'm respectfully asking.... Were there complications / were you unable to change your diet in the end and failed in that sense..... If I can find the article I'll post it.... It's from one of my monthly subscription nursing/medical journals that said there are finding a high failure rate with weight loss surgery because of the individuals inability to change themselves.
I'm also curious about this. If the first surgery didn't work, what will a second do?
Sometimes they will do a revision following regain after the original surgery. What they do in the second surgery will usually depend on what was done in the first surgery. For example, if someone has had a roux-en-y they may add an adjustable band.0 -
I'm am an RN who takes care of bariatric patients postop, I can't imagine someone having this surgery anywhere else but a high quality facility with highly trained and educated staff.
These patients are a lot of work and need tons of support!!! And it can hurt!!!!!
I love taking care of them, truly...! But half should have it and will do well and the other half shouldn't of because I feel they think the surgery fixes everything and IT DOESNT!!!
It's a tool not a solution!!
My sister was 450lbs and had gastric bypass. I was fully supportive, she needed this. She got down to 250lbs! After 2 kids and working full time she got back up to 330lbs! She could eat more then me at a sitting at one point. Her stomach stretched out.
She got frustrated and wanted to have her surgery revised, I was against it this time. I asked if she could give me 6 months to help her lose it and she did.
I signed her up here on MFP and the gym. And with my support and all HER hard work she is now 70lbs lighter.
I told her that after she loses another 20lbs I am going to take her to a plastic surgeon myself to look into getting all her extra skin off. The money she saved from second surgery can go to that!!! She is mentally in a better place since she did it this way. And her stomach got smaller again so she is eating smaller meals now. She also ran in a 5K with me. I took video of her crossing the finish line and she watches it every time she gets discouraged. I am so proud of my big sis!
Oh just FYI I have been at 250lbs myself, lost 70 and gained it back and now thankfully down 80lbs. Everyone asks what's the secret I say working out and eating well.... No secret formula!
So bottom line is if you are truly a good candidate for surgery do it at home.
And good luck!!! It's very hard to lose weight!!
You can friend me!0 -
ALHMommyofAngels wrote: »I think someone who suggests just eating less does not understand what it's like to be morbidly obese. I had WLS 2 weeks ago. My insurance paid for it and I would never consider doing it outside of the country. Statistics show if your BMI is over 40 98% of people are not able to lose the weight on their own. Though going through this process I have learned that even with surgery I am never going to be safe to eat what I want. After you still have to live on 1200 calorie diet for the rest of your life. I think if your mind is in the right place and you realise that it is a life style change and not a diet you can do it.
I am following this thread only because I cannot wait to see the link to this study. 98% percent of people witha BMI over 40 absolutely, positively cannot lose weight on their own? Not even, "find it difficult to", but absolutely cannot. Mmmmkay.
There are a ton of people on this site alone that contradict that statistic, but yeah. I'm sure it was a legitimate, peer reviewed study.
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For the people wondering about the source for the 98% of people with a BMI over 40 can't lose weight statement, I think whoever said it might be referring to this. http://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/pdf/10.2105/AJPH.2015.302773
"In simple obesity (body mass index = 30.0–34.9 kg/m2),the annual probability of attaining normal weight was 1 in 210 for men and 1 in 124 for women, increasing to 1 in 1290 for men and 1 in 677 for women with morbid obesity "
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I used to work at one of the top-ranked hospitals in the U.S. We had a very wealthy family from Mexico that would fly the entire family here for routine medical care. And when I say wealthy, I mean WEALTHY. They could have afforded the best in Mexico, yet they chose the U.S. That should tell you something.0
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I'm am an RN who takes care of bariatric patients postop, I can't imagine someone having this surgery anywhere else but a high quality facility with highly trained and educated staff.
These patients are a lot of work and need tons of support!!! And it can hurt!!!!!
I love taking care of them, truly...! But half should have it and will do well and the other half shouldn't of because I feel they think the surgery fixes everything and IT DOESNT!!!
It's a tool not a solution!!
My sister was 450lbs and had gastric bypass. I was fully supportive, she needed this. She got down to 250lbs! After 2 kids and working full time she got back up to 330lbs! She could eat more then me at a sitting at one point. Her stomach stretched out.
She got frustrated and wanted to have her surgery revised, I was against it this time. I asked if she could give me 6 months to help her lose it and she did.
I signed her up here on MFP and the gym. And with my support and all HER hard work she is now 70lbs lighter.
I told her that after she loses another 20lbs I am going to take her to a plastic surgeon myself to look into getting all her extra skin off. The money she saved from second surgery can go to that!!! She is mentally in a better place since she did it this way. And her stomach got smaller again so she is eating smaller meals now. She also ran in a 5K with me. I took video of her crossing the finish line and she watches it every time she gets discouraged. I am so proud of my big sis!
Oh just FYI I have been at 250lbs myself, lost 70 and gained it back and now thankfully down 80lbs. Everyone asks what's the secret I say working out and eating well.... No secret formula!
So bottom line is if you are truly a good candidate for surgery do it at home.
And good luck!!! It's very hard to lose weight!!
You can friend me!
I'm just going to second this ^ there have been a couple RNs who've commented, and I think their suggestions should really be taken because they know what they're talking about.
As a fellow Canadian, I'd say stay in Canada, work with your doctor (and a dietician), save money to have it here or in the US. Work with your insurance, if you have a secondary insurance that isn't just the provincial one, maybe you can get it partially covered. Maybe friends and family will contribute, if they see you're dedicated. Good luck
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Has the OP even come back?0
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cjudesaenz wrote: »I have lived on the Texas border my whole life. I am a nurse practitioner in the ER and I have seen both the good and the bad of border health. Yes, there are talented and reputable physicians and surgeons in Mexico. BUTTTTTTTT, and that's a big butt! Ive seen the worst cases of gross negligence from there and I've unfortunately cared for those post bariatiric surgery. It's a big risk the standards of practice are extremely different. I've know of dentists who preform surgeries anywhere from bariatiric to cosmetic. Honestly it's a gamble and its not worth it. And like someone said earlier even the best of surgeons can have complications. And I'm not going to post this with out saying I've also seen many complication with this surgery on the US side. Furthermore, we still are not 100% sure what the long term effects are of these types of procedures and we won't know until 30-50 years down the line if it truly makes a difference or if there are ramifications. I say, don't risk it. CICO are your best bet and it's better for you in the long run because you train yourself to make conscious decisions as well as gain control of your life.
OH... And just out of curiosity, I read somewhere on here they needed a second weight loss surgery. Why? I'm not calling you out I'm respectfully asking.... Were there complications / were you unable to change your diet in the end and failed in that sense..... If I can find the article I'll post it.... It's from one of my monthly subscription nursing/medical journals that said they are finding a high failure rate with weight loss surgery because of the individuals inability to change themselves.
@cjudesaenz if you do find the article, please post.0 -
My problem with WLS is that I know 5 people that have had it. TFive years down the road 4 of them were back to at least pre surgery weight. All the pain, side effects, and success they went through still didn't help them make the lifestyle changes they needed. The one person that it did work for is religious about going to OA meetings and is extremely disciplined about what she eats.0
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booksandchocolate12 wrote: »Has the OP even come back?
Doubtful. The thread has been mostly anti-whatshewantedtohear so why pay attention to it.0 -
Wow people sure are being harsh. There are plenty of facilities in Mexico that are run extremely well, clean, helpful, amazing. The doctors are lovely and wonderful at their job.
I had WLS first in the U.S. under health insurance but am now temporarily living in Mexico with family. Due to circumstances I decided to have a second WLS surgery but here in Mexico. I had a very good experience, one of my doctors was so lovely she hugged me several times and we both said we loved each other! I get emailed with instructions and information to help me know what to take and eat and do. I'm to email them blood sample draws every 3 months so they can monitor I'm getting all my nutrients and vitamins. They took great care of me and so far this surgery has felt far easier to recover than my first. I never felt any pain!! There were around 3-4 other people (all Mexicans btw so it's trusted locally) getting various WLS at the time.
For me the major downside is you can get it done at such a rush and without knowing much information and how to treat yourself. Luckily from the first time, in the U.S., they made me take classes and they're better at making 100% sure you know what you're doing and expecting before letting you have it. In Mexico you can just do it and not find out about some stuff till after. Don't just do it without a ton of research, this is a huge decision that will affect the rest of your life and some people can't handle that.
So in the end, I'm not saying "yes go do it"... I just wanted to say Mexico can be an option if it's researched well. Go to WLS forums, they talk about good doctors.
I happen to be Mexican and while it is possible to have excellent surgery back in Mexico - the overall quality of care is lower (but the service aspects can be much better) when compare to top places in the US. The issue isn't can you have good surgery in Mexico. You can. The issue is that when things go wrong, will the care you have be the best to resolve all issues?
I would try to have major surgery in the US or Europe personally.0 -
Wouldn't weight loss just happen in Mexico by drinking village water?
Worked for Montezuma.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
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Melwillbehealthy wrote: »Have you ever been to a third world country? the Ontario government recommends you carry your own personal surgery kit, so if you do end up in hospital you don't use their equipment. That should tell you something. Mexico is at the least second world.
No and no. Second world countries were the former communist-socialist, industrial states - the Eastern bloc, the territory and sphere of influence of the Union of Soviet Socialists Republic - Mexico was never second world.
It's a terrible term - Mexico is, in many ways, as developed and the standard of care in many hospitals meet or exceed average US quality. But you don't go for average. You try to get the best possible care.0
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